Is a prsecription the same....

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Richrapid
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Contact lenses

Is a prsecription the same....

Postby Richrapid » Sat 30 Oct 2010 10:16 am

Apolgies if this is a very silly question....but is a prescription the same for soft contact lenses as RGP's? I knwo for glasses & lenses it's different so wondered if the same applied.

I need to have soft lenses for sport (and in case I loose/damage my RGP's) and can get by with Boots/Tesco lenses for that short period, but was wondering if I could use my prsecription from the eye clinic where I'm being tereated for KC?

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Lia Williams
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Re: Is a prsecription the same....

Postby Lia Williams » Sat 30 Oct 2010 6:21 pm

Hi Richrapid,

I would expect the prescriptions to be different. Or at least mine are. A contact lens prescription includes not only the power but also the diameter and the base curve of the lens. A soft lens typically has a diameter of 14 mm and a base curve of 8.7 and, in general, it is only the power that varies. For RGPs the diameter is much less and the base curve will depend on the shape of the cornea. The power however is only slightly different.

When I went for my last eye test (the eye clinic I attend does not do full eye tests) there was an offer for a free contact lens assessment so I explained that I normally wore RGPs but would like to try some disposable soft lenses to use on holiday for swimming (I've never been prepared to risk my RGPs under a pair of goggles). It was explained to me that I wouldn't get the vision I did with my RGPs but as my aim was only to recognise someone across the room I was pleasantly surprised at the vision I get with them, and for the first time in years went swimming with my family.

I'd suggest that you go to an opticians and ask whether or not they can use your RGP prescription for soft lenses if not you may need to have an eye test (as well as a contact lens assessment) if you haven't a current glasses prescription.

Good luck - in my case it was well worth investing in some disposable soft lenses for when RGPs just won't do.


Lia


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